Neyland 10 Milford Haven 20

The level of interest shown by the members of the public for this derby clash between Pembrokeshires top two teams in Division Six proved that if ever there was a Pembrokeshire Rugby league again, it would benefit the game in the county enormously.

Ever since the National leagues were introduced at the beginning of the 90s, the oval ball game has seen a remarkable drop in standards.

Whereas once, most teams would field maybe three teams, now they field just two, although it has to be said that this is sometimes a struggle.

There must have been well over 200 people at Neyland Athletic ground on Saturday to see this eagerly awaited clash. When the teams first met before Christmas, Neyland were the firm favourites to win. They had a much better record at the time as Milford came to terms with life in Division Six following promotion from the Seventh Division the previous year. Neyland just scraped through that game by virtue of a last minute penalty. Milford took heart from their gutsy performance and ever since have virtually remained unbeaten, therefore, this was a must see match.

Unfortunately, the thought of playing in front of such a good crowd must have affected the two teams as the game as a spectacle was a disappointment. It lacked any real pace, it lacked direction although what it didnt lack was effort and maybe this is why the game didnt deliver, perhaps the players were trying too hard.

Neyland took the lead quite early in the first half with a try by winger Lee Perkins, who darted over after he was released by Mark Riley following a peel at a lineout. Riley added the extras although soon after Milford reduced the deficit with a penalty by stocky fly-half Jim Farr.

Thereafter, and the remainder of the half became a very static affair with too many knock ons, forward passes and fumbles taking place which didnt allow the game to flow. The only highlights of the opening period after these early scores were a couple of runs by Neyland back row man Colin Picton and a good low tackle by Martin Tamilia on Milfords Lyndon Griffiths.

Neyland increased their lead towards the end of the half with a penalty by Riley which proved to be the last score before the break.

At this stage, a Neyland win looked likely. They were slightly more dominant up front and looked slightly more dangerous behind, but Milford had the use of a slight breeze and the use of the slope.

Their pack started to get on top, especially in the scrums where they pushed the All Blacks back at a rate of knots and their line out began to function well. They reduced the deficit with a penalty by Farr and this obviously gave them courage to play with more confidence.

Adam Collins began to make inroads in midfield with a couple of powerful bursts and they eventually grabbed a try after a good lineout take and rolling maul allowed them to power over with Mark Wonnacott lying at the bottom of the ruck.

Neyland lost the influential Andrew Williams and Colin Picton through injury and because of this Milfords pack really got on top. Again the forward pressure told as they were awarded a scrum near the Neyland line and Paul Evans received the ball in his outside half berth and ghosted through the Neyland defence to score a good, match winning try.

Neyland threw everything at Milford near the end with replacement Tony Busby looking especially dangerous on the charge, but the Mariners defence held firm and another win was theirs.